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VOLUME II.
FREMONT, SANDUSKY COUNTY, DECEMBER u, 8o0.
NUMBER 40.
71 TTb 'fiTl
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FREMONT FREEMAN:
; : J. S. FOVKE, Editor and Pablisher.
The Frkak, i published every Saturday morn
ing Office In Backland'n Brick Rnilding third
lory; Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio.
- T r 1) LI a
? . ' - ' - K l, fc, '
8ingle mail subscribers, peryear, - ftl 50
Clubs often and upwards, to one address 1 37
CJubeor fifteen . ..-.. 125
Town subscribers will be charged $1 75. The dif-
ference iu tho terms between the price on papers
i delivered in town and those sent by mail, isocca-
aioned by the expanse of carrying,
f When the moner is not paid in advance, as above
necified. Two Dollars will be charred if paid with
in the year, if not paid ontil after llie expiration of
the year, Two Dollars and r my terns win uecnarg
ed. Th-se terms will be strictly adhered to.
' ' How to Stof Pafir. First see that yon have
-paid for it on to the time yon wish it to stop; notify
the Post Master of yonr itwire, atd a,k him to no.
tify the pnhlieher, undVr his frank, (as he is author
zed to do) of yonr wih to discontinue.
,. . RATES OF ADVERTISING.
.One square 13 lini-o first insertion . ... .$0 50
Da . each additional insertion 25
'," ! "' : Three months 2 00
Do ' St months.. ............. . 3 50
- Do Out year....... 5 00
.Two square Six month... ........ .. 6 00
Do Oho rear.. 10 W i
TI i r 1 . f IB flft
m 1,11 cuiuiuii vnr irai.t .. .... ....
One eslvmn One Tear 30 00
Bnsincss Dtrtrtorg.
FREMONT FREEMAN
JOB lKI7fTIVO OFFICEl
We are now prepared to execute to ordr. in a
neat and expeditious maimer, and npon the fairest
terms; almost all descriptions of
JOB PRINTING;
SUCH AS
Business Cards, -,
Circulars,
Havdbills, .
' Catai.ooom,
Show Bills,
. lUTTICES' fiLAHLS,
Lawyers' Blakks,
Bill Hkads,
OlLLS OF LaUIRG,
CKRTrriCATKS,
Drafts,
Hills, ,
Bask Chicks,
Law Casks,
Ball Tickkts.ktc, itc.
Makutksts,
We would sav to those of our friends who are in
want of snch work, yon need not go abroad to cet
it done, when it can be done just aa good at home.
I. O. O. F.
C room a LonR, No. 77, meets at the Odd Fel
lows' Hall, in Buckland's Brick Building, every
' Saturday evening. "1
PEASE & ROB raTS,
HAHl'FACTURKRS OF
' Copper, Tin, and glicot-iron Ware,
" AMD DKALKRS IK
. Stws,vrl, Eldes, Sbecp-pclts, Rags,
Old Capper, Old Stoves, &c, &c :
ALSO, ALL SORTS OF OEKCISE TAKKEB KOTIONS
- Pease's Brick Block, Ko. 1.
' - FRF.MONT. OHIO. 32
STEPHEN BICKL.AJ.1 & CO.,
DEALERS IN
Drugs, Irletfrciiws, Palsts, Dye-Staffs,
Books, gtationaay, &c.s
; . FREMONT, OHIO.
EDWARO F. DICKIXSOX,
Attornn'al Ctnwllorat IvJiw:
FREMONT, OHIO.
Office One door aonlh of A. B. Taylor's store, np
.tain. An. 31. 1S.50.
KALVH P. BICKtAXB:
' Attorney sta ConnscIIor Rt Law,
And Solicitor in Chancerv, will attend to r rofess-
' tonal business in Sandnsky and adjoining counties.
Office Second story of Dockland's Block.
FREMONT, OHIO. -
J. L. Greksk. u. Anrkslkt.
CIIEESE & AJVXESf-iEY, .
Attorney Ht lJtr & Solicitors in Chnncery,
Will give their nndiviiled attention to profession
al business intrusted to their care in Sandusky and
adjourning counties. .-
Office In the second story f Bnckland's Block.
FREMONT, OHIO. ..
ClIESTEU EBCEBTO.V:
Attorney Ht Counsellor at Lrw,
And Solicitor in Chancery, will carefully attend
' j all profeasional businees left in his charge. ri
will also attend to the collection of claims &c, in
. thin and adjoining counties.
Office Second story Buckland's Block.
: : - FREMOMT. OHIO. 1
U. J. ISAH'i'l-iET'r,
Attorney h4 Connscllor nt taw
Will tiv his undivided sttention to professional
lnsines in Sandnsky and the adjoining comities.
' Office Over Oppenheimer's Store.
"" - FREMONT, OHIO. 1
IiA . BAWSOAl
. PHT&IOtVW-rVN3-SliRGEON,
: OfEce North side of the Turnpike, nearly oppo
site tha Post Office.
FREMONT. OHIO. 14
: FIEKKE BEAl'GRAi
PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON,
stiiilfulli IliiiUis liin-TTTfffrrnrfrrPi services to
the citiceos of Fremont and vicinity.
Office One door north of E. N. Cook's Store,
DB. J. C1IAJIBERLI.V,
Botanic Physician,
T ESPECTFULLT announces to the citizens of
-LYFremont and vicimtr, that he has returned and
peimaneutly located in this place, and will be ready
to attend to all wno may wisn nis professional aer-
, vices. Keeideoce at the Methodist farsonage.
Office Two doors south of Pease & Roberts'
' Tin Shop. November 9, 185(1 ly
PORTAGE COUNTY
filutnal Fire Insurance Company.
B. P. BCCKIiASB, Agent:
' FREMONT, OHIO.
POST OFFICE HOCKS-
Tha regular Post Office hoars, nniil further no-
: tice will be as follows:
From 7 to 12 A. M. and from 1 to 8 P. M.
Sundays from 8 to 9 A M, and from 4 to 5 P M.
W. M. STARK, P. M.
A. F. & F. VANDERCOOK:
.MERCHANTS AND DEALERS
-In all kinds of Produce;
At the Old Stand
Eormerly occupied by Dickenson feV.Doren.
JKltfcMUJNi, OHIO.
- December IS.
SOCIAL HALL.
T I 1HE snbscriber is prepared to furnish Social
A Hall, in Buckland's Brick Block, for
Cotillon Parties, Sories, Lectures, &c.,
on reasonable terms: and also refreshments,
in the best style on the shortest noticel
J. F.
R. SEBRING.
Fremont, August 3,
1850.
FTIXIE choicest Liquors and Wines for Medicinal
and Mechanical purposes lor sale at
Buckland's.
N
AILS. Fremont Iron Co.'a Nails, manufac
tured nt Troj. N. at - Hitkes'.
TAILORING.
CLARK & KRIDLER,
T ESPECTFULLT iinnonncB to the ritizens of
XV Fremont and vicinity, that they have
Removed their SIiop,
One door Worth of 'A. F.t, Yandercookys Store,
in the room recently occupied by O. II. Fusselman,
as TiH Shop, where they intend carrying on the
above bnsiness in all ita various branches.
One of the partners has been east and purchased
a stock of Cloths, Cassimeres, Vesting, and
some Ready-made Clothing, and also, all sorts
of Trimmings, and are now prepared to f Ornish
maleriaJ and make np work to order on the shortest
notice, and most reasonable terms, and warranted
to Give satisfaction. We also intend to keep
constantly on hand. Ready-made Clothing
Of our own manufacturing,
which we will sell OCT tkrt low for Cash.
The public are inviifd to c.ll and exninine cor
stock before piirrhasinw e!sewhert as we tlrnk that
we can putt ihm in most any article in our line,
ar on as reasonable terms as the same article cau
be had in town, for we are bound to
Sell at a very low percentage !
- We wnnld rtyl,re f.r the bnffit of or Conntry
friends 'who wifh Cnttiifr We, flint wt ar pr
parfd to furnish them with Trimmings as raona
h!e as lhv can L h:d ay wbr elfif A'l Cutting
done here waranted toft, if properly made vp.
Afso Ai"r-nls for W I'fiams Ke ports of r asliions.
Fremont. Nov. lai, !50. 34
SADDLERY.
New Arrangement!
PRICES REDUCED!
JOSEPH COCHRANE,
RESPECTFULLY announces to the citizens of
Fremont, and .vicinitv that he has taken the
old and well known stand of H. R. Foster, where
he will be happy to supply the old customers and
public generally with any article in his line.
Keeps constantly on hand and manufactures to
order of the best material every variety of
Saddles, Harness, Trunks,
ValiM-M, Rridlcs, Slarlingals, icic.
Carnage i rimming done on the shortest notice.
All work warranted.
Fremont, Nov. 1st, 1S50. 34
NEW GBOCEBY AND SALOON
JCST OPESKD IN
Bnckland's Xcw Brick Building:
I J. F. II. SEBRIXG, 1
-EL RESPECTFULLY informs Iub Old Jl
I' jv' Customers and the Fnhlic generally, ! J'h
k"ffy that he has again gone into the Gro- jf!
't leery Business, and has now opened :
Sizf ONE OF TUB MOST BXTESSIVK
Stocks of Groceries!
ever brought to this market, with especial reference
te POpplv the wants of the citizens of Saudusky and
adjoimnfj comities.
1 his stocti consists in part ol
Sugars, Coffee, Teas,
Spices, Pepper, linisins,
Tobacco, Segars, &c, kc
together with a complete and large assortment of
CANDIES.
the best ever opened in Fremont, the assertion of
bogus" dealers in this article to the contrary noi
ithttHnrfing. NUTS, FRUITS AND PRESERVES,
of the rarest kinds, will be be found at my store.
icnienac9 Micad, Cronk and Beer,
can be had ot a moment's notice.
Fresh Baked Bread, Cake, Vies,
and Biscuit always kept on hand. Families wish
ing to be sallied with lire;! can at all times b
aceommodiited with a superior article and on the
most liberal terms.
But I have neither time nor the printer room in
his paper, to enumerate the sixth part f the articles
kept by rn, andean only ask ttutt a discriminating
public will give me catr and and judge for them
selves, feeling satisfied that I can render entire Bat
ififac'ton to all both as to prices and quality.
Fremont. .Tun 15. 5f.
DENTISTRY.
DR. L. D. PARKER, from Clkvelakd,
RESPECTFULLY aunouncea to th- pM c thai
he has permanently located in Fremont, for
the purpose of practicing
Surgical and Mechanical ncntistry.
From the ample resources which he has enjoyed,
for acquiring a thorough knowledge of the profess
ion, he feels confident that he shall be nb'e to give
satisfaction to all who may desire his aid, in th va
rious branches of the profession. The public are
assured that the almost care will he taken to render
ltis operations both permanent and useful.
Artificial Teeth set on Gold iMate
iu number from a single one to a dnnble sett. Piv
ot teeth set in Ihe best manner. Carious teeth fil
Jed so as to permanently arrest the rfecay. Teeth
cleaned in - h a maimer as not iojure the en
rttnel. Teeth extracted with the most approved
instruments.
Dr. PARKER, wishes to be understood that he
is responsible lor all his operations. Persons wish
ing Dental Operations, are invited to cutl at his of
fice, in Caldwell's Brick Building, over Dr. Chnm
berliti'c Office.
Fremont, June 30. 184915
FREMONT IIG USE;
AND GENERAL
FREMONT, SANDUSKY COUNTY, O.
Will. KESSLER. Proprietor.
MR. KESSLER, announces to the Traveling
Public that he has returned to the above well
known stand and is now prepared to accommodate
est the best manuerB all who may favor him with
their patronage.
No efforts will be spared to promote the comfort
and convenience of Cuests.
O Good Stabling and careful Ostlers in at
tendance. Fremont, November 24, 1849 36
Farms to I-et:
SEVERAL FARMS, near Fremont, and conve
nient to the Turnpike, U TO RENT.
Some of these have Eighty to Ninety acres clear
ed thereon, with comfortable Houses, Brims &c.
Enquire of SAML. CROWELL,
General Land Agent.
Muskalunge, March 2, 185051-5
rwiOEO HATCH, Tail or $
WOULD inform his friends and the public, that
he has taken rooms at Ballviile, where he
intends carrying1 on the above business, in all its
branches, and hopes by punctual attention and
long experience in his trade to merit and receive a
share of patronage.
N. B. Cutting of garments of every description,
attended to in the roost fashionable style, and war
ranted to fit.
. Also, he is Agent for 17 avis' Pain Killer
a fresh supply just received and for sale br
GIDEON HATCH.
Ballviile, July 13, 185018
FASIIIOXABIiE TAILORIAG.
PHILIP MAXWELL,
w
OULD respectfully announce that he has
Removed bis Shop, one door
South of Leppelman's Jewelry Shop,
opposite Plead Quarters, where he will be happy
to wait on his old customers and all who need any
thing; in his line.
If you want you garments made np RIGHT,
and after the Latest Fashion you must call on
MAXWELL.
- N. B. Particular attention paid to cutting, and
warranted to fit if property made up.
Fremont, April 38, 1849.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Fellow-citizens of the Senate,
and of the House of Representatives :
Being suddenly called, in the midst of the
last session of Congress, by a painful dispen
sation of Divine Providence, to the responsi
ble station which I now hold, I contented my
self with such communications to the Legis
lature ns the exigency of the moment seemed
to require. The country was shrouded in
mourning for the loss of its venerated Chief
Magistrate, and all hearts were penetrated
with grief. Neither the time nor the occrsion
appeared to require or to justify, on my part
any general expression of political opinions, or
any announcement of the principles which
would govern me in the discharge of the du
ties, to the performance of which I had been
so unexpectedly called. I trust therefore,
that it may not be deemed inappropriate, if 1
avail myself of this opportunity of the re-as-semblinu
of Congress to make known my sen
timents, in a general manner, in regard to the
policy which ought to he pursued by the gov
ernment, both in its intercourse with foreign
nations, and in its management and adminis
trations uf internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in a state of na
ture, are equal and independent, possessing
certain rights, and owinjr certain duties to
each other, arising from tlieir necessary and
unavoidable relations; which rights and duties
there is no common human authority to pro
tect and enforce. Still, they are rights and
duties, binding in morals, in conscience and
in honor although there is no tribunal to which
an injured party can appeal but the disinter
ested judgement of mankind, and ultimately
the arbitrament of the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights of nations
is that which each possesses of establishing
that form of government which it may deem
most conducive to the happiness and prosper
ity of its own citizens; of changing that form
as circumstances may require; and of mana
ging its internal affairs according to its own
will. The people of the United States claim
this right for themselves, and they redily con
cede it to others. Hence it becomes uu im
perative duty not to interfere in the govern
ment or internal policy of other nations; and.
although we may sympathize with the unfor
tunate and the oppressed, every where, in
their struggles for freedom, our principles for
bid us from taking any part in such foreign
contests. We make no wars to promote or to
prevent successions to thrones; to maintain
any theory of a balance of power or lo sup
press the actual government which any coun
try chooses to establish for itself. We insti
gate no revolutions, nor suffer any hostile mil-.
itary expeditions to be fitted out in the Uni
ted States to invade the territory or provinces
of a friendly nation. The great law of mor
ality ought to have a national, aswell as a per
sonal and individual application. We should
net towards other nations as we wish them to
act towards us; and justice and conscience
should form the rule of conduct between gov
ernments, instead of mere power, self-interest
or the desire of aggrandizement. To main
tain a strict neutrality in foreign wars, to cul
tivate friend relations, to reciprocate every
noble and generous act, and to perform punc
tually and scrupulously every treaty obliga
tion these are the duties which we owe to
other States, and by the performance of which
we best entitle ourselves to like treatment
from them ; or if that, in any case, be refused,
we can enforce our own rights with justice and
a clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution
will be mv guide; and in questions of doubt,
I shall look for its interpretation to the judi
cial decisions of that tribunal, which was es
tablished to expound it, nnd U the usa"C of
the (iovernmcnt, sanctioned by the acquies
cence of the country. I regard all its provis
ions as equally binding. In all its parts it is
the will of the people, expressed in Hie most
solemn form, and the constituted authorities.
are but agents to carry that will into effect
Every power which it has granted is to be ex
ercised for the public good ; but no pretence
of utility, no honest conviction, even, of what
might be expedient, can justify the assump
tion of any power not granted. Th.powers
conferred upon the government and their dis
tribution to the several departments, are as
clearly expressed in that sacred instrument as
the imperfection of human language will allow ;
and I deem it my 6rst duty, not to question
us wisdom, add In its provisions, evade Us re
quirements, or nullify its commands.
Upon you, f llow-citizens, ns the represen
tatives of the States and the people, is wisely
devolved the leois alive power. I shall com
ply with my duty, in laving before you, from
time to time, any information calculated to en
able you to discharge your high and responsi
ble trust, for the benefit of our common con
stituents. My opinions will be frankly expressed upon
the leading subjects of IegislatiiSjTTTfidif,
which 1 do not anticipate, any act should pass
the two Houses of Congress which should ap
pear to me unconstitutional, oi an encroach
ment on the just powers of other departments,
or with provisions hastily adopted, and likely
to produce consequences injurious and un
foreseen, I should not shrink from the duty of
returning it to you, w ith my reasons, for your
further consideration. Beyond the due per
formance of these constitutional obligations,
both my respect for the legislature and my
sense of propriety, will restrain me from any
attempt to control or influence your proceed
ings. With you is tha power, the honor, and
the responsibility of the legislation of the
country.
The Government of the United States is a
limited Government It is confined to the
exercise of powers expressly granted, and
such others as may be necessary for carrying
those powers into effect; and it is at all times
an especial duty to guard ngainst any infringe
ment on the just rights of the States. Over
the objects and subject? entrusted to Con
gress, its legislative authority is supreme. But
here that authority ceases, and every citizen
who truely loves the Constitution, and de
sires the continuance of its existence and its
blessings, will resolutely and firmly resist any
interference in those domestic affairs, which
the Constitution has clearly and equivocally
left to the exclusive authority of the States.
And every such citizen will also deprecate
useless irritation among the several members
of the Union, and all reproach and crimina
tion tending to alienate one portion of the
country from another. The beauty of our
sj'stem of Government consists, and its safety
and durability must consist, in avoiding mu
tual collissions, and encroachments, nnd in the
regular separate action of all, while each is
revolving in its own distinct orbit
The Constitution has made it the duty of
the President to take care that the laws be
faithfully executed. In a government like
ours, in which all laws are passed by a ma
jority of the representatives of the people, and
these representatives are chosen for such short
periods, that any injurious or obnoxious law
can very soon be repealed, it would nppear
unlikely that nny great numbers should be
found ready to resist the execution of the
laws. But it must be borne in mind that the
country is extensive, that there may be local
interests or prejudices rendering a law odious
in one part, which is not so in another, and
that the thonghtless and inconsiderate, misled
by their passions, or their imaginations, may
be induced madly to resist such laws as they
disapprove. Such persons should recollect
that, without law, there can be no real prac
tical liberty ; that, when law is trampled under
foot, tyranny rules,, whether it appears in the
form of a military despotism or of popular vi
olence. The law is the only sure protection
of the weak, and the only efficient restraint
upon the strong. When impartially and faith
fully administered, none is beneath its protec
tion, and none above its control. You, gen
tlemen, and the couulry may be assured, that
to the utmost of my ability, and to the extent
of the power vested in me, I shall at all times
nnd in all places, take care that the laws be
faithfully executed. In the discharge of this
duty, solemnly imposed upon me by the Con
stitution, and by my oath of office, I shall
shrink from no responsibility, and shall en
deavor to meet events as they may arise, with
firmness, ns well as with prudence and dis
cretion. The appointing power is one of the most
delicate with which the Executive is invested.
I regard it as a sacred trust, to be exercised
with the sole view of advancing the prosperity
and happiness of the people. It shall be my
effort to elevate the standard of official em
ployment, by selecting for places of import
ance, individuals fitted for the posts to which
they are assigned, by their known integrity,
talents and virtues. In so extensive a coun
try, with so great a population, and where few
persons appointed to office can be known to
the appointing power, mistakes will sometimes
unavoidably happen, and unfortunate appoint
ments be made, notwithstanding the greatest
care. In such cases, the power of removal
may be properly exercised ; nnd neglect of
duty or malfeasance in office will be no more
tolerated in individuals appointed by myself
than in those appointed by others.
I am happy in being able to s:y that no
unfavorable change in our foreign relations
has taken place since the message at the
opening of the last session of Congress. We
are at peace with all nations, and we enjoy in
an eminent degree the blessings of that peace,
in a prosperous and growing commerce, and
in all the forms of amicable national inter
course. The unexampled growth of the coun
try, the present amount of its population, and
its ample means of self-protection, assure for
it the respect of all nations: while it is trusted
that its character for justice, and a regard to
the rights of other States, will cause that re
spect to be readily and cheerfully paid.
A convention was negotiated between the
United States and Great Britain, in April last,
for facilitating and protecting the construction
of a ship canal between the Atlantic and Pa
cific oceans, and for other purposes. This in
strument has since been ratified by the con
tracting parties, the exchamre of ratifications
has been effected, and proclamation thereof
has been duly made.
In addition to the stipulations contained in
this convr ntion, two other objects remain to be
accomplished between the contracting powers.
First, the designation and establishment of
a free port at each end of the canal.
Second, an agreement fixing the distance
from the shore within which beligerent mar
itime operations shall not be carried on. On
these points there is little doubt that the two
governments will come to an understanding.
The company of citizens of the United
States who have acquired from the State of
Nicaragua the privilege of constructing a ship
canal between the two oceans, through the
territory of that State, have made progress in
their preliminary arrangements. The treaty
between the United States and Great Britain,
of the 19th of April last, above referred to,
beinsj now in operation, it is to be hoped that
the .guarranties which it offers will be suffi
cient to secure the completion of the work with
ill practicable expedition. It is obvious that
this result would be indefinitely postponed, if:
f other than peaceful measures, for the
any
purpose of harmonizing conflicting claims to
territory in that quarter, should be adopted.
It will consequently be my endeavor to cause
any further negotiations on the part of this
Government, which may be requisite for this
purpose, to be so conducted as to bring them
to a fpt-t-dy nnd successful close.
Some unavoidable delay has occurred, nris
mfi; from distance and the difficulty of inter-
course betwew this Government and that of
Nicaragua, but intelligence has just been re
ceived of tho appointment of an Envoy Ex
traordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of
that Government to. reside nt Washington,
whose arrival may soon be expected, it is hop
ed that no further impediments will be expe
rienced in the prompt transaction of business
between the two governments.
Citizens of the United States have under
taken the connexion of the two oceans by
means of a railroad across the Isthmus of Te
hauntepec, under grants of the Mexican Gov
ernment to a citizen of that Republic. It is
understood that a thorough survey of the
course of the communication is in preparation,
and there is every reason to expect that it wi
be prosecuted with characteristic energy, es
pecially when that government shall have con
sented to such stipulations with the Govern
ment of the United States as may be neces
sary to impart a feeling of security to those
who may embark their property in the enter
prise. Negotiations are pending for the ac
complishment of that object, and a hope is
confidently entertained that, when the gov
ernment of Mexico shall become duly sensi
ble of the advantages which that country can
not fail to derive from the work, and learn
that the government of the United States de
sires that the right of sovereignty of Mexico
in the Isthmus shall remain unimpared, the
stipulations referred to will be agreed to with
alacrity.
By the last advices from Mexico it would
appear however, that that Government enter
tains strong objections to some of the stipula
tions which the parties concerned in the pro
ject of tho railroad deem necessary for their
protection and security. Further considera
tion, it is to be hoped, or some modification of
terms, may yet reconcile tbe differences exist
ing between the two Governments in this re
spect. Fresh instructions have recently been giv
en to the Minister of the United States in Mex
ico, who is prosecuting the subject with prmp
titude and ability.
Although negociations with Portugal, for
the payment of claims of citizens of the Uni
ted States against that Government, have not
yet resulted in a formal treaty, yet a proposi
tion made by the Government of Portugal for
the final adjustment and payment of those
claims, has recently been accepted on the part
of the United States. It gives me pleasure to
say that Mr. Clay, to whom the negotiation on
the part of the United States has been entrust
ed, discharged the duties of his appointment-
ment with ability and discretion, acting always
within the instructions of his Government.
It is expected that a regular convention will
be immediately negotiated for carrying the
agreement between the two Governments in
to effect
The commissioner appointed under the act
of congress for carrying into effect the conven
tion with Brazil, of the 27th of January, lg49,
has entered upon the performancs of the du
ties imposed upon him by that act It is
hoped that those duties may, be completed
within the ti.ne which it prescribes. The doc
uments, however, which the Imperial Govern
ment, by the third article of the convention,
stipulates to furnish to the Government of the
United States, have not yet been received.
As it is presumed that these documents will
be essential for the correct disposition of the
claims, it may become ncccessary for Congress
to extend the period limited for the duration
of the commission. The sum stipulated by the
4th article of the convention to be paid to this
Government has been received.
The collection in the ports of the United
gtates of discriminating duties upon the ves
sels of Chili and their cargoes have ben sus
pended, pursuant to the provisions of the act
of congress of the 24th of May, 1828. It is
to be hoped that this measure will impart a
fresh impulse to the commerce between the
two countries, which, of late, and especially
since our acquisition of (Jahtorma, has, to the
mutal advantage of the parties, been much
augmented.
Peruvian guano has become so desirable an
article to the agricultral interests of the Unit
ed States, that it is the duty of the -Govern
ment to employ all the means properly in its
power for the purpose of causing that article
to be imported into the country at a reasona
ble price. Nothing will be omitted on my
part towards accomplishing this desirable end,
1 am persuaded that in removing any restraint
on this traffic, the Peruvian- government will
promote its own best interests, while it will af
ford a proof of a friendly disposition towards
this countrv, which will be duly appreciated,
The treaty between the United States and
His Majesty the King of the Hawaiin Islands,
which has recently been made public, will it
is believed, have a beneficial effect upon the
relations between the two countries.
The relations between those parts of the Is
land of St Domingo, which were formerly col
onies of Spain and France, respectively, are
still in an unsettled condition. The proximi
ty of that island to the United States, and the
delecate questions involved in the existing con
troversy there.render it desirable that it should
be permanently and speedily adjusted. The
interests of humanity and of general com
merce also demand this; and, as intimations of
the same sentiment have been received from
other governments, it is hoped that some plan
may suon be devised to effect the object in a
manner likely to give general satisfaction.
The Government of the United States will not
fail, by the exercise of all friendly offices, to do
all in its power to put an end to the destruct
ive war which has raged between the'different
parts of the Island, and to secure to them both
the benifits of peace and commerce.
I refer you to the report of the Secretary of
the Treasury for a detailed statement of the fi
nances. The total receipts into the treasury, for the
year ending the 30th of June last, were forty
seven million four hundred and twenty-one
thousand seven hundred and forty-eight dol
lars and ninety cents, ($47,421, 748 90.)
The total expenditures during the same pe
riod were forty-three million two thousand one
hundred and sixty-eight dollars and ninety
cents, ($43,002,168 90.)
Ihe public debt has been reduced since the
last annual report from the Treasury depart -
ment, fourliundred and ninety-five thousand
! two hundred and seventy-six dollars and sev -
enty-ninc cents,($495,2S6 79.)
By the 19th section of the act of the 28th of
January, 1847, the proceeds of the sales of the
public lands were pledged for the interest and
principal of the public debt The great amount
of those lands subsequently granted by con
gress for military bounties, will, it is believed,
very nearly supply the public demand for sev
era! years to come, and but little reliance can.
' therefore, be placed on that hitherto fruitful
source ot revenue.
Aside from the permanent nnnual expendi
tures, which have necessarily largely increased,
a portion of the public debt, amounting to eiirht
million seventy-five thousand nine hundred
and eighty-six dollars and fifty-njne cents ($3,
075,98(5 59) must be provided for within the
next two fiscal "years. It is most desirable
that these accruing demands should be mut
without resorting to new loans.
All experience hasdemonstrated the wisdom
and policy of raising a large portion of reve
nue for the support of government from duties
on godds imported. Ihe power to lay these
! duties is unquestionable, nnd its chief object,
of course, is to reDfenish the treasury. But if,
in doing this, an incidental advantage may be
gained by encouraging the industry of our own
citizens it is our duty to avail ourselves of that
advantage.
A duty laid upon articles which cannot be
produced in this country such as tea or cof
fee adds to the cost of the article, and is
chifly or wholly paid by the consumer. But
a duty laid upon an article which may be pro
duced here, stimulates the skill and industry
of our own country to produce the same ar
ticle, which is brought into the market in com
petition with the foreign article, and the im
porter is thus compelled to reduce his price
to that at which the domestic article can be
sold, thereby throwing a part of the duty up
on the producer of the foreign article. The
continuance of this process creates the
skill, and invites the capital which finally ena
ble us to produce the article much cheaper
than it could have been procured from abroad,
thereby benefiting both the producer and con
sumer at home. Tho consequence of this is
that the artisan and the agriculturist arc
brought together, each affords a ready mar-
ket for the produce of the other, the whole
country becomes prosperous; and the ability
to produce every necessary of life renders us
independent in war, as well as in peace.
A high tariff can never be permanent It
wiil cause dissatisfaction and will be changed.
It excludes competition, and thereby invites
the investment of capital in manufactures to
such an excess, that when changed it brings
distress, bankruptcy and ruin, upon all who
have been misled by its faithless protection.
What the manufacturer wants, is uniformity
and permanency, that he may feel a confi
dence that he is not to be ruined by sudden
changes. But to make a tariff uniform and
permanent, it is not only necessary that the
aw should not be altered, but that the duty
should not fluctuate. . To effect this, all duties
should be specific, wherever the nature of the
article is such as to admit of it Ad valorem
duties fluctuate with the price, and offer strong
temptations to fraud and perjury. Specific
duties, on the contrary, are equal and uniform
in all ports, and at all times, and oner a strong
inducement to the importer to bring the best
article, as he pays no more duty upon that,
than upon one of inferior quality. I therefore
strongly recommend a modification of the pres
ent tariff, which has prostrated some of our
most important and necessary manufactures,
and that specific duties be imposed sufficient
to raise the requisite revenue, making such
discrimination in favor of the industrial pur
suits of our own country as to encourage home
production, without excluding foreign compe
tition. It is also imporant thalan unfortunate
provision in the present tariff, which imposes
a much higher duty upon the raw material
that-enters into our manufactures than upon
the manufactured article, should be remedied.
The papers accompanying the report of the
Secretary of the treasury will disclose frauds
attemfed upon the revenue, in variety amount
so great, as to justify the conclusion that it is
impossible, under any system of ad valorem
duties levied upon the foreign cost or value of
the article, to secure an honest observance
and an effectual administration of the laws.
The fraudulent devices to evade the law, which
have been detected by the vigilance ot the ap
praisers, leave no room to doubt that similar
impositions not discovered, to a large amount,
have been successfully practised since the en
actment of the law now in force. This state
of things has already had a prejudicial influ
ence upon those engaged in foreign commerce.
It has a tendency to drive the honest trader
from the business of importing, and to throw
that important branch of employment into the
hands of unscrupulous and dishonest men.who
are alike regardless of law and the obligations
of an oath. By these means the plain inten
tions of congress, as expressed in the law, are
daily defeated. Every motive of policy and
duty, therefore, impel me to ask the earnest at
tention of congress to this subject If congress
should deem it unwise to attempt any import
ant changes in the system of levying duties at
this session, it will become indispensible to the
protection of the revenue that such remedies,
as in the judgment of congress may mitigate
the evils complained of, should be at once ap
plied. As before stated, specific duties would, in
my opinion, afford the most perfect remedy
for this evil; but if you should not concur in
this view, then as a partial ramedy, I beg leave
respectfully to recommend that, instead of tak
ing the invoice of the article abroad as a means
of determining its value here, the correctness
of which invoice it is impossible to verify, the
law to be so changed as to require a home
valuation or appraisal, to be regulated in such
manner as to give, as far as practicable, uni
formity in the sveral ports.
There being no mint in California I am in
formed that the laborers in the mines are com
pelled to dispose of their gold dust at a large
discount. This appears to me to be a heavy
and unjust tax upon the labor of those employ
ed in extracting this precious metal ; and I
doubt not you will be disposed, at the earliest
period possible, to relieve thom from it by the
establishment of a mint. In the mean time,
as an assayer's office is established there, I
would respectfully submit for your considera
tion the propriety of authorizing gold bullion,
which has been assayed and stamped, to be
received in payment of government dues. I
cannot conceive that the treasury would suffer
any loss, by such a provision, which will Bt once
raise bullion to its par value,, and thereby save
(if I am rightly informed) many millions of
1 ullars to tl,e laborers wnicii ar now pam in
j brokerage to convert this precious metal into
1 available funds. This discount upon
men
hard earnings is a heavy tax, and every effort
! should be made by the uovernmenl to relieve
'em so great a burden.
More than three-fourths of onr population
areentrao-ed in the cultivation of the soil. The
commercial, manufacturing, and navigating in
terests are all, to a great extent, dependent
on the agricultural. It is therefore, the most
important interest of the nation and has a just
claim to the fostering care and protection of
the Government so far as they can be exten
ded consistently vith the provisions of the
Constitution. As this cannot be done by the
ordinary modes of leaiistion, I respectfully re
commend the establishment of an Agricultural
Bureau, to be charged with the duty of giving
to this leading branch of American industry
the encouragement which it so well deserves.
I view of the immense mineral resources of
onr country, provision should also be made
for the employment of a competent mineralo
gist and chemist, who should be required, un
der the direction of the head of the bureau,
to collect specimens of the various mineral of
our country, and to ascertain, by careful an
alysis, their respective elerVMS find proper
ties, and their adaptati-.n to useful proposes.
He should also be required to examine and
report upon the qualities of different soils, and
he manures best calculated to improve their
productiveness. By publishing the results of
such experiments, with suitable explanations,
and by the collection and distribution of rare
seeds and plants, with instructions as to the
best system of cultivation, much may be done
to promote this great national interest
Tn compliance with the act of Congress,
passed on the 23d of May, 1850, providing
among other things, appointed, and all other
measures adopted which were deemed neces
sary to ensure the prompt and faithful per
formance of that duty. The appropiation al
ready made will, it is bclieved.be sufficient to
defray to whole expense of the work: but
further legislation may be necesary in reirord
to the compensation of some of the marshals
of the Territories. It will also be proper to
make provision by law, at an early day, for the j of a law authorizing officers of the army and
publication of snch abstracts of the returns as ; navy to be retired from the service. when in
the public interest may require. competent for its vigorous and active duties
The unprvc.-dented 'gr?wt.o of our Territor-1 taking car to make suitable provUion for
ies on tbe Pacific in w health and population;
and the consequent increase of their social and
commercial relations with the Atlantic Slates,
seem to render it tha duty of the Government
to use all its constitutional power to improve
the means of intercourse with them. The im
port ance of opening "a line of communication,
the best and most expeditions of which .tha
nature of the country will admit,' between th
valley of the Mississippi and the Pacific, was
brought to your notice by my predecessor, lit
his annual message; and as the reasons which
he presented in favor of tbe measure still exist
in full force, I beg leave to coll your attention
to them, and to repeat tbe recommendations
then made by him. . ,
The uncertainty which exists in regard to
the validity of land titles in California is a sub
ject which demands your early consideration.
Larue bodies of land in that state are claim
ed under grants said to have been mad by
authority of the Spanish and Mexican Gov
ernments. Many ot these nave not been per
fected, others have been revoked,and some are
believed to be fraudulent But until they
shall have been judicially investigated, they
will continue, to retard the settlement and
improvement of the country. L therefore,
respectfully recommend that ; provision he
made by law, for the appointment of commis
sioners to examin all such claims with a view
to their final adjustment
I also beg to call your attention to the pro
priety of extending, at an early day, our sys
tem of land laws, with such modification as
may be necessary over the State of Califor
nia and territories of Utah and New Mexico.
The mineral lands of California will, of course
form an exception to any general system
which may be adopted. Various methods of
disposing of them hare been suggested. , I .
was at first inclined to favor the system of
leasing, as it seemed to promise the largest
revenue to the government, and to afford the
best security against monopolies ; but further
reflection and our experience in leasing the
lead mines and selling lands upon credit, have
brought my mind to tbe conclusion that there
would be great dificulty in collecting the rents,
and that the relation of debtor' and creditor
between the citizens and the Government
would be attended with many mischievous
consequence. I therefore recommend that in
stead of retaining the mineral lands under
the permanent control of the Government,
they be divided into small parcels and sold, .
under such restriction of capitalists to obtain
monopolies.
The annexation of Texas and the acquisition
of California and New Mexico, have given in
creased importance to our Indian relations.
The various tribes brought under our jurisdic
tion by these enlargements ot our boundaries,
are estimated to embrace a population of one
hundred and twenty-four thousand.
Texas and New Mexico, are surrounded by
powerful Indians, of tribes who are a source
of constant terror and annoyance to the inhabi
tants. Sepaiating into small predatory bands,
and always mounted.they overrun the country
devastating farms, destroying crops, driving
off whole herds of cattle, and occasionally mur
dering the inhabitants or carrying them into
captivity. The great roads leading into the
country, are fnfested with them, whereby
traveling is rendered extremely dangerous,
and immigrationis almost entirely arrested.
The Mexican frontier, which, by the 11th
article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,
we are bound to protect against the ' Indians
within our border, is exposed to these incur
sions equally with our own. ' "The military
force stationed in that country (although form
ing a large proportion of the army)is represent
ed as entirely inadequate to our own protection
and the fulfillment of our treaty stipulations
with Mexico.- The principal deficiency is
in cavalry, and I recommend that congress
should, at as early ' a period as practicable,
provide for the raising of one or more regi
ments of mounted men. . " '' "!
For further suggestion on this,subject, . and
others connected with our domestic interests,
and the defence of our frontier, I refer you
to the report of the secretary of the - Interior
and of the secretary of War. '
I commend also to your favorable consider
ation the suggestion contained in tbe .last
mentioned report, and in the letter of the gen-eral-in-chief,
relative to the establishment of
an asylum for the relief of disabled and desti
tute soldiers. This subject appeals so strong
lv to voursvmnathiesthat it would be super
fluous in me to say anythng more, than barely
to express my cordial approbation of the pro
posed object t
The navy continues to give 'protection to
our commerce and other national interest in
the different quarters of the globe, and with,
the exception of a single steamer on the North
ern lakes, the vessels in commission are dis
tributed in six different squadrons.
The report of the head of that Department
will exhibit the services of these squadrons
and of the several vessels employed in each
during the past year. It is n source of grati
fication that, while they have constantly pre
pared for any hostile emergency, they have
every where met with the respect and cour
tesy, due as well to the dignity as the peaceful
dispositions and just purposes of the nation.
The two brigaotines aocopted by- the-; gov
ernment from a generous citizen of iJwwJt'ork
and placed under the command of officer
of the navy, to proceed to the Asctte seas in '
ntiest. of the British commander,- Si John
Franklin, and his companions, in compliance
with the act of Congress.npproved in May last,
had, when last heard, penetrated into a -high
mrthern latitude; but the succes of this noble .
and humane enterprise is yet uncertain..'
I invite yonrattention to the view ofourpre
sent naval establishment and resources pre
sented in the report of the Secretary of the
Navy, and the suggestions therein made for
its improvement, together with - the naval
policy recommended for the security . of our
Pacific coast and the protection and extension
of our commerce with eastern Asia. Our fa-..,
cilities for a larger participation in the trade
of the East, by means of our recent settlements
on the shores of the Pacific, are too obvious
to be overlooked or disregarded.
The question in relation to rar.lt in the army
and navy, and relative rank between the offi
cers of the two branches of the service, pre
sented to the Executive by certain resolu
tions of the House of Representatives, at the
last session of Congress, have been submitted
to a board of officers in each branch of the
service, and their report may expected at an
early day.
I also earnestly recommend the enactment